Chinese pond heron

　Breeding plumage is wine-coloured from head to neck and breast, but non-breeding plumage is very plain, as shown in the photograph. A small number spend the winter on Ishigaki Island. There are an increasing number of other records of the Javan pond heron, which is distributed in South-East Asia, flying to Ishigaki Island. Their winter plumage is similar and it is difficult to identify them in the field. It is said to be characterised by its slightly larger size, larger bill and darker wing tips in flight than the Javan red-faced night heron.
　Other Japanese records include the Indian pond heron, which breeds from Iran to India and Sri Lanka, and also has very similar non-breeding plumage. The distribution of these three species overlaps in South-East Asia, and the squacco heron, which is distributed from Europe to Africa, sometimes flies in, and its non-breeding plumage is also very similar, making it a matter of debate among birders as to which bird it is.
　For the general public, this is an unimportant debate, but for enthusiasts, it is a very enjoyable time.